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SERIAL NUMBER 4382
LOT 3332
Exceptional and
Highly Desirable Koishikawa/Tokyo Arsenal Type B “Baby”
Nambu Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster - Serial no. 4382,
7 mm Nambu cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured by the Koishikawa (Tokyo) Arsenal from 1909 to 1928, the
“Baby Nambu” was the semi-official officer’s pistol of the Imperial Japanese Military. These pistols were considered quite expensive by officers at the time
and were often a second choice to popular European models, leading to only about 6,000 being manufactured. The standard three-character markings in on
the right of the frame over the mid-late production serial number with the “stacked cannonball” arsenal marking on top of the chamber. All of the visible numbers match, including on the magazine and grip panels. Includes a correct original, unmarked, leather
holster and 14 7 mm Nambu cartridges.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the original blue finish with a few scattered small patches of extremely
light pitting on the grip safety and some faint edge/muzzle wear. 95% bright original straw colors remain on the small parts. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear. One will look a long time to find another example as fine as this! Estimate: 9,500 - 15,000
LOT 3333
Tokyo Gas and Electric Model 1904 “Papa Nambu” Semi- Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 2963, 8 mm cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured on an Army contract, with the “stacked cannonball” Tokyo Arsenal marking on the right side of the receiver near the serial number and model marking, and the “GTE” logo of Tokyo Gas and Electric on top of the chamber. Blade front and tangent rear sights, front grip safety, smooth backstrap and checkered grips. With one nickel finished magazine with an alloy base. CONDITION: Fine, with 70% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish, showing scattered spotting, edge wear and mild handling marks. The grips are good, with flat spots, dings, and minor edge chips. Numbers are mixed or absent on multiple parts. The magazine sits a bit low in the well and the trigger does not consistently reset, otherwise mechanically fine. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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